New points structure for seven match multi-format contest
Wednesday 12 November 2014 14:21, UK
Sky Sports will show live coverage of every ball of a new-look Women’s Ashes for the first time in 2015.
The 2015 Series will be the third time that the Women’s Ashes have been contested across all three formats of the game – England winning 12-4 on home soil in 2013 and 10-8 Down Under at the start of this year.
Next year’s schedule features one Test, to be played from August 11-14 at Kent, which will be preceded by three Royal London one-day internationals and a trio of Twenty20 internationals.
After talks between the England and Wales Cricket Broad (ECB) and Cricket Australia, the number of points awarded for winning Test will be reduced from six to four (two points apiece for a draw), while the ODIs and T20Is will still be worth two points each for a win.
First
ECB’s Head of England Women’s Cricket, Clare Connor, said: “It has already been a remarkable year of firsts for England women’s cricket – the first crop of 18 players to receive professional contracts, alongside the first standalone commercial sponsorship deal with Kia.
“We are now delighted to report that Sky Sports will provide live coverage of every ball of the multi-format Women’s Ashes next year and in so doing, will cover a women’s Test match for the very first time.
“The level of broadcast coverage that the England women’s team now gets is exceptional, and I am thrilled that the ECB, in partnership with Sky Sports, continues to lead the way in this respect within international women’s team sport. It is this level of exposure and support that will ensure that the women’s game continues to grow, and that will inspire the next generation of England women’s cricketers.
“It is also wonderful that Charlotte Edwards will have the opportunity to lead the England team in the Women’s Ashes Kia Test match in front of a home Kent crowd during an extended Canterbury Cricket Week in August. The Test will be played in the middle of the multi-format Series for the first time. These are moves to help improve the balance of the competition and to ensure maximum interest across the three formats throughout the summer.”
Partnership
Bryan Henderson, Executive Producer of Sky Sports Cricket, added: “Sky Sports has supported women’s cricket for over 18 years, and we look forward to taking our coverage to the next level as we show a women’s Test match for the first time. Our viewers will be able to enjoy every ball and every minute of action as England women compete to retain the Ashes next summer.
“We have a strong and successful partnership with the ECB and are proud to have played our small part in the growth of the women’s game over the last two decades.”
Women's Ashes Series 2015
July 21 - 1st Royal London ODI, Taunton - 2 points for a win, one for a draw
July 23 - 2nd Royal London ODI, Bristol - 2 points for a win, one for a draw
July 26 - 3rd Royal London ODI, Worcester - 2 points for a win, one for a draw
August 11-14 - Kia Women's Test, Kent - 4 points for a win, two for a draw
August 26 - NatWest T20I, Chelmsford, 2 points for a win - Super Over played in event of a draw
August 28 - NatWest T20I, Hove, 2 points for a win - Super Over played in event of a draw
August 31 - NatWest T20I, Cardiff, Super Over played in event of a draw
If you missed Tuesday's Sportswomen with Katherine Brunt, you can watch again at 7pm on Sky Sports 4.
